The calathea or wicker plant is a plant native to the rainforest. There are over 300 different species, but only a small proportion of them are suitable for indoor culture. Not all species are cared for for the flowers.

The Calathea crocata inspires with its orange flowers

There are many different types of calathea

The calathea belongs to the arrowroot family, of which there are many different species. Not all types of the non-poisonous plant can be cultivated in our latitudes.

Since the care of the Korbmarante is not without problems and requires some specialist knowledge, the calathea often does not bloom. Some species, such as Calathea lancifolia, do not flower at all. They are mainly grown for their beautiful leaf colors.

The palette of leaf colors ranges from light green and dark green to reddish and brown tones.

The calathea is at home in the South American rainforest

The calathea is native to the South American rainforest in the Amazon region. There it is not exposed to frost or direct sunlight. If the requirements for care and location are right, the Korbmarante will thrive. She can then live for many years.

Care should be taken to ensure that the calathea is neither too dry nor too wet. The Korbmarante reacts to incorrect watering and too much fertilizer with discolored or curling leaves.

A flower window that faces north, east or west is suitable as a location for the calathea. South windows are usually too sunny. Here you should shade the calathea at least in the midday hours. You can also keep the plant in a fairly dark place in the room. Be sure to avoid drafts at the site.

Known Calathea species for indoor culture

  • Calathea lancifolia - no flowers
  • Calathea crocata - orange flowers
  • Calathea rufibarba - small yellow flowers
  • Calathea warscewiczii - white flowers
  • Calathea zebrina - white tubular flowers

The flower color and flowering time depends on the species. Most osiera bloom in spring, but there are also species that bloom in summer.

tips

Humidity plays a major role in the calathea. It should never be lower than 70 degrees. If necessary, increase it by setting up water bowls and spraying the leaves with low-lime rainwater.

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